The difference between hyperfocus and special interest

It's not just a hobby.

Special Interests	Hyperfocus
-A special interest is a specific interest in a topic.	-Hyperfocus is absorption in a task or activity, often related to someone’s interest or passion (but not always).
-A special interest is a very focused interest on a particular topic. These topics can be varied and.	-Hyperfocus makes Autistics lose track of time and completely tune out the world.
-An Autistic person can have one or several special interests at one time. A hyperfocus state is occupied by one activity in that moment.	-When in hyperfocus one can also lose track of important tasks such as paying the bills or doing the laundry.
-Often for Autistics, a special interest becomes extremely important throughout their lives to the point of influencing the career they choose to undertake.	-A sense of deep and overt concentration on a specific subject or thought that could be positive but detrimental all at once.
	-Hyperfocus can also make an Autistic a little or much less self-aware in the moment.
	-There may also come a feeling of being out of control when hyper focusing such as “there’s no stopping me” or “I can’t stop”.
	-A hyperfocus state makes an Autistic completely immersed to the point of self-seclusion and completely ignoring surroundings.
	-Hyperfocus is a state in which an Autistic increase knowledge and skills, usually within topics they already love and enjoy.

Conclusion

In short, a hyperfocus is a state of being, and a special interest is an obsession of a specific subject or thing. They’re two separate characteristics that can, and do quite often, affect each other. An autistic can hyperfocus on a special interest, and vice versa, a special interest can cause hyperfocus.